Many people were starting to feel uneasy about the amount of money spent on Christmas advertising, he said, citing the John Lewis festive advert which stars Sir Elton John and reportedly cost millions of pounds.

"Especially with what's going on in politics at the moment, I just think people would rather not see huge amounts of money being spent in that way."

Now THAT is a Christmas advert. No pandering to a pampered pop star; no emphasis on luxury/elitist, overpriced and unnecessary gifts; no fake 'happy families'. Just pure, raw emotion to tug on the heartstrings.@jlandpartners marketing "experts" should watch and weep.

Mr Beastall told Sky News: "I wanted people to watch it and although initially they might feel sad, I wanted them to reflect on it and perhaps turn to a loved on and give them a cuddle or say 'I love you' and reflect on life itself and appreciate just how lucky we are to be here, but the reaction has just been incredible.

"I've had thousands of messages from people just telling me they've lost loved ones recently and children recently, and it's just so sad.

"I've tried to respond to all of them because it just means the world to me that people would reach out like that."

He added: "It's just important we look after each other and even if I just say a thank you I don't want these people to feel that they're being ignored, especially at this time of year."

Mr Beastall said his "two very lovely" parents are both still alive but he can still imagine how difficult it must be for those dealing with loss at Christmas time.

"If they can watch it and feel they can cope slightly better this year, that would make me really really happy."